Troops rescue nine kidnap victims, recover 56 rustled animals in Katsina 

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued nine kidnapped victims, recovered 56 rustled animals and arrested a suspected terrorist during separate counter-terrorism operations across Katsina State.

The military said the operations form part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist and bandit networks responsible for attacks, kidnappings and cattle rustling in the North-West.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, said troops of Sector 2 rescued the nine victims during a routine fighting patrol in Faskari Local Government Area.

The rescued victims, comprising three women, four men and two children, were reportedly abducted on July 9, 2026, by armed terrorists along the Tsafe-Kuchere Road in Tsafe Local Government Area of neighbouring Zamfara State.

According to the military, preliminary investigations revealed that the victims escaped from their captors under the cover of darkness after the terrorists fell asleep.

“The victims disclosed that they managed to escape from the terrorists’ enclave during the night after their abductors fell asleep. They were intercepted by troops on patrol and immediately taken to safety,” Danja said.

He added that the rescued victims are currently receiving medical attention and undergoing profiling before being reunited with their families.

In another operation, troops responded to credible intelligence about an attempt by armed bandits to rustle livestock in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The military said the terrorists opened fire after sighting the advancing troops, but were overpowered by superior firepower and forced to flee into nearby bushes, with some believed to have sustained gunshot wounds.

Following the encounter, troops recovered 56 rustled animals, including four cattle and 52 sheep, which had been abandoned by the fleeing suspects.

The recovered livestock have been secured by the military and will be handed over to their rightful owners after proper identification and verification.

In a separate security operation in Danmusa Local Government Area, troops arrested a suspected terrorist during routine patrols.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Danja, preliminary examination of items recovered from the suspect suggests possible links to ongoing terrorist activities within the area.

The suspect remains in military custody and is assisting investigators with information expected to aid ongoing operations against terrorist and bandit groups operating in the state.

The Theatre Commander of Operation FANSAN YAMMA commended the troops for their professionalism, courage and commitment to the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign.

He reaffirmed the military’s resolve to sustain offensive operations against criminal elements across the North-West, stressing that security forces would continue to pursue terrorists and other armed groups until peace and stability are fully restored to affected communities.